Spring migration has begun, according to news website Vísir. The lesser black-backed gul was the first to reach the shores of Iceland on the 25 of February, says Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, chairman of BirdLife Iceland, an organisation that works to protect Iceland‘s birds.
Some of the more familiar migrants have begun to arrive in Iceland to breed, including the Eurasian oystercatcher, graylag goose, the common shelduck, common teal, the great skua, the redwing and the whooper swan.
Read more: 5 Things you need to know about Puffins
But the first European golden plover, called heiðlóa in Icelandic, of the year has yet to arrive, Jóhann Óli says. The bird holds a special place in the hearts of Icelanders as its arrival traditionally marks the beginning of spring. The first bird’s long awaited arrival is announced on every Icelandic news channel every single year.
“We anticipate the first golden plover‘s arrival before Easter. We are expecting a strong northerly wind this week which will slow the birds down as migrating birds try and use wind support to save energy and time,“ Jóhann Óli concludes.
Spring migration has begun, according to news website Vísir. The lesser black-backed gul was the first to reach the shores of Iceland on the 25 of February, says Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, chairman of BirdLife Iceland, an organisation that works to protect Iceland‘s birds.
Some of the more familiar migrants have begun to arrive in Iceland to breed, including the Eurasian oystercatcher, graylag goose, the common shelduck, common teal, the great skua, the redwing and the whooper swan.
Read more: 5 Things you need to know about Puffins
But the first European golden plover, called heiðlóa in Icelandic, of the year has yet to arrive, Jóhann Óli says. The bird holds a special place in the hearts of Icelanders as its arrival traditionally marks the beginning of spring. The first bird’s long awaited arrival is announced on every Icelandic news channel every single year.
“We anticipate the first golden plover‘s arrival before Easter. We are expecting a strong northerly wind this week which will slow the birds down as migrating birds try and use wind support to save energy and time,“ Jóhann Óli concludes.
